Minnesota hosts small grains management workshops

By Scout Nelson

The University of Minnesota Extension is conducting small grain workshops in Minnesota in February to explore the potential of crops like spring or winter wheat, hybrid winter rye, and oats as profitable additions to the standard corn-soybean rotation. 

The Minnesota Wheat Research and Promotion Council is sponsoring sessions on production agronomics, variety selection, and economic aspects of small grain cultivation, with an open-forum discussion for participants to share their experiences.  These events are accessible to all interested parties. 

Online registration is recommended for these free workshops. This step will help organizers cater to the right amount of food and beverages for attendees.  

The schedule for these events is as follows: 

• Rochester Event Monday, February 19 at Rochester Extension Office, 140 Elton Hills Lane NW, Rochester, MN 55901 from 9:00 am to 11:00 am (no lunch provided) Contact Ryan Miller at 507-258-8775 
• Le Center Event Monday, February 19 at Family Center, Le Sueur County Fairgrounds, 320 S Plut Ave, Le Center, MN 56057 from 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm (lunch starts at noon) Contact Shane Bugeja at 507-357-8232 (register by February 16 for meal count) 
• Cold Spring Event Tuesday, February 20 at Great Blue Heron, 305 5th Ave S, Cold Spring, MN 56320 from 10:00 am – 12:00 pm (lunch following the meeting) Contact Joe Krippner at 320-980-2915 (register by February 19 for meal count) 
• Slayton Event Thursday, February 22 at Murray County 4H-Building, 3048 Broadway Ave, Slayton, MN 56172 from 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm (join the morning crops program from 9:00 am – 12:15 pm with lunch following) Contact Murray Co.  Extension Office at 507-836-6927 (register by February 20 for meal count) 
• Benson Event Friday, February 23 at McKinney's on Southside, 300 14th St S, Benson, MN 56215 from 10:00 am – 12:00 pm (lunch following the meeting) Contact Scott Lee at 320-760-6129 (register by February 22 for meal count) 
• Grand Rapids Event Monday, February 26 at North Central Research & Outreach Center, 1861 E. US Hwy 169, Grand Rapids, MN 55744 from 12:30 pm – 3:30 pm (lunch starting at noon) Contact Jochum Wiersma at 218-281-8629 (register by February 23 for meal count) 

These workshops are a fantastic opportunity for farmers and agricultural professionals to learn about incorporating small grains into their crop rotation, enhancing both economic returns and soil health. 

Photo Credit - university-of-minnesota